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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Hannah at Sidley Park?

2. Thomasina believes she has made a discovery in ______________.

3. What false last name does Chloe give Bernard?

4. Why does Septimus describe Noakes as the serpent in the garden?

5. Septimus' reply to the letter is _____________________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why isn't Septimus bothered by the lost plays of Aeschylus as Thomasina is?

2. What events or ideas contribute to the humorous tone of the first scene?

3. What mistake has Bernard made in researching the letters he found in Byron's book?

4. Why does Thomasina suggest Septimus is churlish with her?

5. What comfort does Lady Croom take in her brother's marriage to Mrs. Chater?

6. Why does Valentine suggest Bernard has "bitten" Hannah?

7. What is the relationship between Thomasina and Septimus?

8. What is the theory of heat exchange discussed in the scene?

9. What images has Thomasina captured in her drawing?

10. What are Lady Croom's major concerns for her daughter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Stoppard use time to develop his message in "Arcadia?" Write an essay in which you determine and support Stoppard's message about time, using specific references to the author's mention and manipulation of time in the play.

Essay Topic 2

Alfred North Whitehead said, "The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order." Does change in Stoppard's play indicate progress? Write an essay in which you explore Stoppard's message about change or progress, using specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the title "Arcadia," and Septimus' translation "Even in Arcadia, there am I," implying that death is present even in any idyllic setting. In what ways is Sidley Park a seemingly idyllic setting, and how does Septimus' translation impact that idea? Write an essay in which you explore both ideas, using examples from the text to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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